THE NATIONAL Democratic Congress (NDC) on Sunday commemorated what would have been the 78th birthday of its revered founder, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, with a powerful call to rekindle the values he lived by – probity, accountability, punctuality, patriotism and positive defiance.
Speaking at the colourful ceremony, NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia stressed that the commemoration was not just to honour the late former President but to serve as a platform to reflect on and redefine Ghana’s national values.
“There is no country that has developed without national values,” Chairman Nketia declared. “Today, we in the NDC can speak of the legacy of Rawlings. But ask Ghanaians – what are our values, what do we stand for, what is our national code of conduct? We have none clearly defined.”
He proposed a national conversation, possibly in Parliament, to distill and adopt values from great Ghanaian leaders that can guide national conduct. “When leadership or citizens deviate, we must be able to assess them by those shared standards,” he noted.
Highlighting Rawlings’ principle of positive defiance, Nketia emphasized the moral obligation to challenge wrongdoing, even when it originates from authority. “Rawlings believed in standing up for what’s right, even against superiors. That’s a principle our youth must embrace,” he said.
The NDC Chairman also spoke of Rawlings’ unmatched punctuality, democratic instincts and insistence on lifestyle audits for public officials. “He made sure anyone around him accounted for their means of living. He led by example, always apologizing when late, believing time was money.”
Rawlings’ Family Reflects on His Legacy
Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings, speaking on behalf of the Rawlings family, praised the NDC for keeping his father’s vision alive. Flanked by his sister, Amina, Kimathi recalled their father’s drive for grassroots democracy, which birthed the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies – now entrenched in the 1992 Constitution.
“As we mark this day, we are reminded of his vision for a better Ghana,” Kimathi stated. “His courage, his sense of justice and his dedication to the Ghanaian people are forever etched in the directive principles of state policy.”
He expressed gratitude to the NDC for the solemn celebration and prayed that President Rawlings’ legacy continues to inspire future generations toward a fairer, just and progressive Ghana.
‘A Heart That Loved Humanity’ – Fiifi Kwetey
NDC General Secretary Fiifi Kwetey described Rawlings as a man “born for a great purpose,” whose imperfections were overshadowed by his overwhelming love for people, the nation and humanity.
“Rawlings always believed in the sovereignty of the human spirit – or better still, the divine spirit flowing through humanity,” Kwetey said. He recounted spiritual prophecies as early as 1972 that foretold of a young man who would reset Ghana – a prophecy, he said, fulfilled in Rawlings.
“This is the moment for us in the NDC to lead that reset,” he urged. “It begins by returning to the values Rawlings stood for.”
The commemorative event, held in grand style, featured tributes from key party figures including former Chief of Staff Nana Ato Dadzie and Naval Captain Asaasie Gyimah. Other dignitaries in attendance included Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Dr. Christine Amoako Nuamah, Madam Akua Sena Dansua and Chief Bawumia of the NDC Council of Elders.
As the NDC celebrated the life and legacy of its iconic founder, the overarching message was clear – Ghana’s progress hinges on rekindling the values Rawlings championed and the unwavering spirit of service he embodied.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
